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Nursing home

Mount Carmel Bluffs

Dubuque, Iowa · Dubuque County

  • 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 · Directions
  • (563) 556‑5474
  • Medicare overall rating: 5 of 5 starsMedicare overall rating
  • Ownership: For profit – limited liability company
  • 7 health citations in its last 3 inspection cycles (most serious: level E). See the inspection record

Summary

Mount Carmel Bluffs is a Medicare-certified nursing home in Dubuque, Iowa, with 60 certified beds. Medicare overall rating: 5 of 5 stars. Most recent standard health inspection: 2026-02-26, with 1 health deficiency. Ownership: for profit – limited liability company. Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information, data updated 2026-10-01.

What is a nursing home?

A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) gives 24-hour nursing care and help with daily activities. Some people stay for a short time to recover after a hospital stay (rehabilitation); others live there long term. The homes listed here are certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid and inspected by the state.

Official Medicare data

Everything on this page comes from Medicare (CMS) data updated 2026-10-01. It is information, not a recommendation. Call the nursing home and visit before you decide, and talk with your doctor.

In a medical emergency, call 911.

At a glance

Medicare overall rating: 5 of 5 starsMedicare overall rating
60Certified beds
Health inspections: 4 of 5 starsHealth inspections

Quick answers

Where is Mount Carmel Bluffs?
1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003, in Dubuque County, Iowa.
What is the phone number of Mount Carmel Bluffs?
(563) 556-5474, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
What is the Medicare star rating of Mount Carmel Bluffs?
Medicare overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Has Mount Carmel Bluffs been fined?
Medicare lists no fines for Mount Carmel Bluffs.
What did inspectors find at Mount Carmel Bluffs?
In its last three inspection cycles (April 4, 2024 to February 26, 2026), Medicare lists 7 health citations; the most serious was level E. See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).

Medicare ratings, explained

Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.

Overall rating
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars
Medicare’s summary of the three ratings below, from 1 star (much below average) to 5 stars (much above average).
Health inspections
Health inspections: 4 of 5 stars
Based on state health inspections and complaint investigations of about the last three years, compared with other nursing homes in the same state.
Staffing
Staffing: 5 of 5 stars
Based on how many hours nurses and aides spend with each resident per day (from payroll records) and how often staff leave.
Quality of resident care
Quality of resident care: 2 of 5 stars
Based on how residents do on measures such as falls with injury, pressure sores, getting better at moving around and going back to the hospital.
Short-stay residents (rehab)
Short-stay residents (rehab): 2 of 5 stars
Quality rating for people who stay a short time, usually to recover after a hospital stay.
Long-stay residents
Long-stay residents: 2 of 5 stars
Quality rating for people who live in the nursing home.

Inspections, fines and staffing

In its last three inspection cycles (April 4, 2024 to February 26, 2026), Mount Carmel Bluffs had 7 health citations; the most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm). Medicare lists no fines or payment denials for it in the last three years. Nurse staffing is 4.63 hours per resident per day; the Iowa average is 3.86 and the national average is 3.90.

Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.

Inspection history: last three cycles

State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.

What the letters A to L mean
Scope and severity letters
SeriousnessIsolated (a few residents)Pattern (some)Widespread (many)
No actual harm, potential for minimal harmABC
No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harmDEF
Actual harm to residentsGHI
Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safetyJKL

Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.

Most recent cycle: February 26, 2026 — 1 health citation

Inspections in this cycle: February 26, 2026 (standard health inspection).

Show 1 citation (levels A to F, no actual harm)
  • F0725 Level D February 26, 2026 · corrected March 18, 2026

    “Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.”

Previous cycle: February 20, 2025 — 3 health citations

Inspections in this cycle: February 20, 2025 (standard health inspection); July 9, 2025 (complaint investigation).

Show 3 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
  • F0689 Level E July 9, 2025 · from a complaint · corrected August 19, 2025

    “Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”

  • F0550 Level D July 9, 2025 · from a complaint · corrected August 19, 2025

    “Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.”

  • F0684 Level D July 9, 2025 · from a complaint · corrected August 19, 2025

    “Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”

Earlier cycle: April 4, 2024 — 3 health citations

Inspections in this cycle: April 4, 2024 (standard health inspection).

Show 3 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
  • F0812 Level E April 4, 2024 · corrected May 3, 2024

    “Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”

  • F0658 Level D April 4, 2024 · corrected May 3, 2024

    “Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”

  • F0803 Level D April 4, 2024 · corrected May 3, 2024

    “Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.”

Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.

Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →

Fire safety citations (8)
  • K0353 Level F February 26, 2026 · corrected March 15, 2026

    “Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”

  • K0712 Level F February 26, 2026 · corrected March 15, 2026

    “Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.”

  • K0324 Level F February 20, 2025 · corrected March 18, 2025

    “Provide properly protected cooking facilities.”

  • K0353 Level F February 20, 2025 · corrected March 18, 2025

    “Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”

  • K0918 Level F April 4, 2024 · corrected May 9, 2024

    “Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”

  • K0311 Level E April 4, 2024 · corrected May 9, 2024

    “Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.”

  • K0321 Level E April 4, 2024 · corrected May 9, 2024

    “Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.”

  • K0920 Level E April 4, 2024 · corrected May 9, 2024

    “Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”

Staffing

Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from the payroll records nursing homes send to Medicare, next to the state and national averages.

MeasureThis homeIowaNational
Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day1.280.740.69
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day0.100.560.86
Nurse aide hours per resident per day3.262.562.35
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day4.633.863.90
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend4.073.383.43
RN hours per resident per day on the weekend0.740.510.48
Nursing staff turnover (per year)30.9%44.1%45.3%
RN turnover (per year)7.1%42.1%42.5%
Administrators who left in the last year0.00.40.5

Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.

Owners and operator

Part of a group of 21 nursing homes: Presbyterian Homes & Services.

Legal business name: BVM-PHS Senior Housing Inc.

Owners and managers Medicare lists (4)
NameRoleShareSince
Presbyterian Homes and ServicesDirect owner50%August 31, 2021
Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin MaryDirect owner50%August 31, 2021
Manternach, LadonnaIndirect owner25%August 1, 2022
PHS Management, LLCManagement company (operational or managerial control)NOT APPLICABLEOctober 15, 2020

Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.

Compare with other nursing homes

Key facts

TypeNursing home
Certified beds60
Average residents per day53.2
Takes part inMedicare and Medicaid
OwnershipFor profit – limited liability company
Group or chain (affiliated entity)Presbyterian Homes & Services
Legal business nameBVM-PHS Senior Housing Inc
First approved by Medicare/Medicaid2021-08-31
Part of a continuing care retirement communityYes
Resident and family councilsResident council
Sprinklers in all required areasYes
Changed ownership in the last 12 monthsNo
Address1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003
CountyDubuque County
StateIowa
Phone(563) 556‑5474
CMS Certification Number165792
CorrectionsReport an error or suggest an update →

What to ask when you call or visit

A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.

  • Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
  • Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
  • How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
  • Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
  • What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
  • Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
  • What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
  • Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
  • Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
  • Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.

Other nursing homes nearby

By straight-line distance (not driving distance).

Nearest hospital emergency rooms

Sources

  1. Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  2. Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
  3. Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  4. Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  5. Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  6. Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  7. State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  8. Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  9. Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  10. Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13